Beyoncé Fronts New House of Dereon Campaign

Beyoncé has only stepped in front of the cameras a couple of times since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy, on January 7. But news that the newly made mum is getting geared up to get back to work is on the horizon as a new photo of the superstar is released for her latest campaign for her clothing label, House of Deréon.

Shot by famed celebrity and fashion photographer Tony Duran shortly before Beyoncé gave birth, the only image released so far features Beyonce looking stunning and sultry wearing a structured stud embellished bodice accompanied by a fierce lion mane for her spring/summer 2012 collection.

The collection comprises of edgy to elegant evening wear as well as contemporary casual tops and jackets with bold use of stunning prints and a color palette featuring soft pastels, nudes and pops of coral and blue.

Below are some of my favorite pieces as well as the promotional video for the collection. Currently the House of Dereon US site states that the shopping online feature is “coming soon.” However if you are across the pond, you can purchase pieces from Lipsy, Selfridges and House of Fraser.

Royal Couple Immortalized as Collectible Barbie Dolls

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting the royal treatment from Matetel and are becoming immortalized as collectible dolls. The maker of Barbie dolls announced the news that they will be releasing the special two-doll set in early April, in celebration of the royal couple’s first wedding anniversary.

The limited-edition dolls will be wearing replicas of what the couple wore on their big day last year — a miniature version of the infamous Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown for Middleton, and a red-and-blue military jacket for Prince William. Middleton’s doll will even include a tiny sapphire engagement ring and a version of the Cartier tiara she wore.

Of the doll treatment, a Mattel spokesperson said, “William and Catherine are like a modern day Barbie and Ken. The whole world watched as the two were married in what was a real-life fairytale wedding.” The rep added, “As a fashion icon, it is only appropriate that Barbie would pay tribute to this unforgettable fashion moment.”

The doll-set will go on sale for $155 on April 7 on Amazon.com U.K, but has been made available for pre-order online at BarbieCollector.com for $100. Unfortunately it has been reported that this collection will not be offered in the United States. Below, is BarbieCollector.com’s description of the couple’s miniature version of their wedding ensemble:

This Royal Wedding® Gift Set includes exquisite portrait dolls of the bride and groom now bestowed with the titles, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Catherine doll wears an elegant, yet chic, gown inspired by the original and features lovely ivory taffeta trimmed with lace and faux pearl buttons. Also includes wedding bouquet, silvery tiara, earrings and engagement ring. Continuing the elegance is Catherine’s handsome prince. William is dressed in the brilliant scarlet uniform of the Colonel of the Irish Guards, proudly decorated with royal blue sash, metallic cummerbund with bow trimmed in golden fringe, golden buttons and medallions.

Remembering the Legendary Whitney Houston

During the eve of one of the biggest annual award celebrations in the music industry, comes the devastating news that legendary icon, Whitney Houston has died, she was only 48. The singer’s death was confirmed by her publicist, Kristen Foster, only hours before Houston was due to perform at music mogul Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“I can confirm that Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. We received a call at 3:43 p.m. from hotel security and Beverly Hills fire and police responded minutes later,” Beverly Hills Police Lieutenant Mark Rosen tells PEOPLE. As to whether there was any evidence of drugs or foul play, Rosen responded: “At this time, there’s no obvious evidence of foul play or cause of death.”

The terrible news has come as a complete shock to all and reactions from fans and celebrities flood the internet:

Dolly Parton, who wrote “I Will Always Love You,” said, “mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’”

Another entertainment legend, Quincy Jones, said he was “absolutely heartbroken” by the news. “She was a true original and a talent beyond compare.”

I’d like to take this time to remember Whitney Houston, she is a true legend and undoubtedly one of the greatest singers and performers of our generation. The world has lost an icon today, may she always be remembered for the amazing contribution that she gave us all, her music that became a soundtrack for us all as well as her unforgettable soulful voice, she was and will always remain a superstar in our hearts.

Yasmin Le Bon Models 110-Pound Dress By Stephan Rolland

Former supermodel Yasmin Le Bon, 47 — wife of Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon — took to the catwalk, showcasing Stephan Rolland’s outrageously weighted creation: a red jersey dress made of 147.5 feet of fabric that weighed in at a staggering 110 pounds (50kg)! The dress served as the highlight of his collection and required two male escorts — that sounds bad when saying it like this, but keep your mind out of the gutter! the poor woman needed help! — in order to get the gown down the runway.

The show-stopping gown symbolized the designer’s tribute to material, with the fabric measuring as much as 45 metres at its longest point. As if the sheer amount of fabric wasn’t enough, the red silk jersey gown was embellished with metal panels along the bustier and down the front of the skirt. Not only did it turn heads it also proved that the former supermodel (now 47!) still has what it takes and strutted her sleek silhouette in what became the highlight of the entire show.

Andrej Pejic Adorns Fashion Mag Cover

Earlier this year I blogged about Mr. Pejic, discussing the definition of androgyny and what makes him the ideal poster boy for fashion androgyny. Now with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, none other than Andrej Pejic adorns the cover of Canada’s “Fashion” magazine wearing a romantic inspired ruffle dress, reminiscent of Mischa Barton with prominent sleek hair, flawless makeup and sharp cheekbones.

In this issue, photographed by Moo King, Pejic has been draped in stunning form fitting outfits that truly demonstrate just how versatile he is as a model. As a result Pejic is gaining support from the masses worldwide as well as soaring stardom and high profile gigs with the biggest labels in fashion and there is no wonder why. Pejic displays just how versatile he can be in this latest issue, check out some photos from the shoot below.

 

First Look: Johnny Depp in Dark Shadows

As a huge fan of Johnny Depp, its my pleasure to share a photo released earlier today by Warner Bros. of the 48 year old actor depicting his latest role as vampire Barnabas Collins in Tim Burton’s adaptation of “Dark Shadows.” The gothic horror tale “Dark Shadows,” based on the soap opera of the same name which ran from 1966-1971 is Depp’s eighth collaboration with his close friend, director Tim Burton. The film also stars Eva Green, Helena Bonham Carter, Jonny Lee Miller and Chloe Moretz. It’s set to be released in theaters on May 11.

Plot

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet-or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Written by Warner Bros. Pictures

Beyonce & Jay-Z Official Birth Announcement & Glory Debut

Blue Ivy is literally only two days old and is already featured on her proud daddy’s latest record. Jay-Z has written this song in order to honor his newborn daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, calling it “Glory”. In the latest song you can hear the newly made father gushing over his “greatest creation” as well as alluding to other details regarding Blue’s conception in Paris, and references the tragedy the couple endured regarding a previous miscarriage.

In a joint statement, Beyonce & Jay-Z set the record straight about some of the details of Blue Ivy’s birth, including that it wasn’t a scheduled C-section (as had been reported):

Hello Hello Baby Blue!

We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives.We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.

- Beyoncé & JAY Z

Personally I respect the way in which the couple dealt with terrible experience of miscarrying before their Baby Blue, just because they are celebrities doesn’t mean that they have to publicize every detail of their lives. I also feel that the way in which they have celebrated the birth of Blue Ivy as well as included the memory of what once could have been was done tastefully and brings tears to my eyes when hearing the lyrics. This illustrates the unbreakable bond and strength that the duo possess and I truly respect how positive and strong Beyonce has stood during all the negative press, she is truly one of a kind and will make an amazing mother, another reason to add why I continue to love and support her <3

Overall the song is very inspiring with heart felt lyrics that require you to have those tissues at the ready, check out the song below as well as those lyrics!

Once again Congratulations Beyonce & Jay-Z!

“GLORY” Lyrics

The most amazing feeling I feel
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real
Baby I paint the sky blue
My greatest creation was you

False alarms and false starts
All made better by the sound of your heart
All the pain of the last time
I pray so hard it was the last time
Your mama said that you danced for her
Did you wiggle your hands for her?

Everything that I pray for
God’s gift I wish I would have prayed more
God makes no mistakes
I’ve made a few
Rough sledding here and there
But I made it through

I wreak havoc on the world
Get ready for part two
A younger, smarter, faster me
Saw a pinch of hove
A whole glass of B

The most amazing feeling I feel
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real
Baby I paint the sky blue
My greatest creation was you

Your grandpop died of n*gga failure
Then he died of liver failure
Deep down he was a good man
God d*mn I can’t deliver failure

Bad*ss lil’ hove
Two years old shopping on Savile Row
Wicked *ss little B
Hard not to spoil you rotten lookin’ like little me
The most beautifulest thing in this world
Is daddy’s little girl

You don’t yet know what swag is
But you was made in Paris
And mama woke up the next day and shot her album package
Last time the miscarriage was so tragic
We was afraid you’d disappear
But nah baby you magic

So there you have it sh*t happens
Just make sure the plane you on is bigger than your carry on baggage
Everybody go through stuff
Life is a gift love open it up

You’re a child of destiny
You’re the child of my destiny
You’re my child with the child from Destiny’s Child
That’s a hell of a recipe

The most amazing feeling I feel
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real
Baby I paint the sky blue
My greatest creation was you

Beyonce & Jay-Z Welcome a Baby Girl!

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a dedicated Beyonce fan, so it serves me with great pleasure to congratulate the newly made parents, Beyonce & Jay-Z on welcoming their baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter to the world.

Media reports have confirmed after weeks of speculation that Beyonce has indeed given birth to baby girl Blue Ivy Carter at New York’s Lennox Hill Hospital on Saturday (January 7th). Blue Ivy is the first child for the duo who tied the knot in April 2008 and have been together for 10 years.

The New York Daily News reported that Jay-Z, reportedly paid more than $1 million to rent out an entire floor in order to give the couple privacy and protect them from the media. Shortly after Blue Ivy’s arrival fellow celebrities have already taken to twitter to express the support of the new arrival for the couple.

Upcoming 2012 Fragrances

If there is one thing I love, it is to smell good so needless to say I’m a huge fan of perfumes and own a rather decent fragrance collection, however it can always get bigger and there are a few on my wishlist at the moment

Check out some of the upcoming fragrances being released later this year as well as my current top 5 fragrances that I currently own (this was extremely difficult to narrow down may I add). The question is what are your favorite fragrances?

UPCOMING 2012 SCENTS

Madonna will launch Truth or Dare by Madonna, her debut fragrance, in March under arrangements with Coty. The fragrance is associated with her upcoming Truth or Dare lifestyle brand, and will be geared at women 25-45.

I have always been obsessed by fragrance and for years wanted to create something personal that was an expression of me, but that other people could relate to as well. Something classical and timeless and yet modern. My oldest memory of my mother is her perfume. I carry it with me everywhere. She always smelled like gardenias and tuberose, an intoxicating mixture [that was] feminine and mysterious. I wanted to re-create this scent, but with something fresh and new about it as well.

Described as a “white floral with a signature gourmand underneath”; notes include  gardenia, tuberose, neroli, jasmine, benzoin, lily, vanilla, caramelized amber and musk.

Madonna Truth or Dare will be available in 30, 50 or 75 ml Eau de Parfum ($39-68) and in matching body products. It will be exclusive to Macy’s on launch.

Nine West is contributing to the fragrance industry with its own scent titled Love Fury. The scent features:

Rose Bud FirNat as top notes, mimosa petals absolute, juicy mandarin and red berries pulp, heart notes of Tiare Tahiti NaturePrint, Jasmine Samback FirAbs, sandalwood and base of orris flower, sensual musk, precious wood and amber.

The fragrance will be accompanied by the launch of a new exclusive Love Fury-branded pump and is said to be available in mid-January.

Aura by Swarovski Collection Mariage is a limited collection inspired by the glitter and happiness of weddings. The Collection Mariage features packaging that is set with crystal and adorned with a floral patterned lace veil.

The Light Eau de Toilette is composed around three accords, described variously as The Loving Commitment, The Promise of an Eternal Bond and Intense Love. The first features lychee, a key component of the original Aura fragrance, complemented by tea leaves. The second includes peony and lotus; the third white musk.

The fragrance will be available from April in the European and Middle Eastern market, and will roll out in Asia in May.

MY CURRENT TOP 5

Lady Million by Paco Rabanne

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
Pulse by Beyonce
Christina Aguilera by Christina Aguilera
Diamonds by Emporio Armani

 

 

Andrej Pejic: Poster Boy For Fashion Androgyny

Versatility is an essential component that any serious model must possess. The ability to adapt, evolve and ultimately personify an idea is key to making a name for oneself in the fashion industry. However what happens when you transcend this very definition?

Introducing Andrej Pejic, the latest sensation to push the limits of fashion and blur the line between the sexes. Born 1991 in Bosnia, Pejic is one year shy of his 21st birthday and has already hit major milestones in his budding career as a male model who models both men’s and women’s fashion.

His androgynous features have made him the ideal poster boy for fashion androgyny as well as being acknowledged as one of OUT Magazine’s 100 Most Compelling People of 2011.

When I first discovered Pejic, it was hard to not do a double take, he has a sense of natural beauty and a range of distinctive features that really make him unique and simply put, beautiful. His physical appearance and androgynous features allow him to forcefully push the boundaries of fashion and social acceptance. Check out a few examples of his work below, including one where he is channeling Marilyn Monroe.